Johnny Marr has revealed his decision to part with close to a hundred guitars from his personal collection, telling a BBC report that he did not want his studio space to turn into a museum. The expansive assortment, which comprises around eighty instruments along with amplifiers, gold and silver records, posters, and harmonicas, is presently on display in London ahead of an auction at Christie’s scheduled for 17 September.
Ahead of the sale, Marr joined forces with Noel Gallagher to revisit the historic instruments. In their discussion, Gallagher commented that the former Smiths guitarist has always approached his gear with fearless enthusiasm. He recalled borrowing Marr’s black 1982 Rickenbacker 330 Jetglo during the recording of Oasis’s debut album Definitely Maybe. That guitar also featured on the sleeve of the band’s 1994 debut single Supersonic. Marr had used the instrument to craft Smiths classics such as “This Charming Man” and “What Difference Does It Make,” and it is now anticipated to fetch as much as £80,000.
The forthcoming auction showcases several other notable pieces from Marr’s career. A 1960 Cherry Red Gibson ES-355, gifted to him by Seymour Stein to entice The Smiths to sign with Sire Records, was employed in the creation of “Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now.” Gallagher noted that watching Marr play that model on Top of the Pops inspired him to purchase his own red Gibson.
Other highlights include a 1971 Martin D-28 12-string acoustic, used to compose “There Is a Light That Never Goes Out,” and a 1984 Cherry Gibson Les Paul Standard, which Marr played during his final live appearance with The Smiths and later used on Gorillaz’s album The Mountain. Also featured is a custom 2017 Fender Signature Jaguar used for Billie Eilish’s James Bond theme “No Time To Die.”
Estimates for the items range from about £1,000 to £150,000. As noted by the BBC, Marr will donate the full hammer price from 31 lots to charity, benefiting The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association and The National Autistic Society.
